Disclaimer: I do not own Sesshomaru or Rin or Inuyasha or the traveling companions. All I own is Nekoyasha and her family that is not Inuyasha or his mother.
"Spoken"
Thoughts
Chapter 29: A Walk
After breakfast, everyone headed outside as usual. Miroku and Sango disappeared together as had become their habit. Neither one was use to Sesshomaru around, and they weren't completely sure how to act around the Demon Lord.
Nekoyasha and Lotus continued sewing something, while the children played.
Sesshomaru watched Rin play with the boys. She could be happy here. She would be safe, and taught in the ways of medicine. There would always be someone around to play with. I'm sure that there are other children in this village.
But would I want to leave her? She has added… something to my travels. It doesn't seem so lonely.
Listen to yourself, Sesshomaru. You have become attached to that little girl. Besides, you have never been alone. There has always been Jaken. Sesshomaru then realized that this was the first time that he had thought about Jaken in the last several days. He was also distraught by his current train of thought. He decided that he needed to take a walk. He had stayed around the house for too long.
He got up and started walking. Nekoyasha looked up at him. Something told her that he wasn't leaving for good and just needed some time to himself. She went back to the item she was making.
Nekoyasha was not the only one that noticed Sesshomaru leave. Rin saw him leave as well. Is Sesshomaru-sama leaving me? Rin was hurt by the thought. Well, he isn't going anywhere without me. Rin left the boys and started after the Demon Lord.
Sesshomaru felt the little girl's presence behind him. She took her place behind him and a little to the side. Part of him wondered why she had decided to follow him. Another part was glad she came. But since she was what he wanted to think about, he did not want her by his side.
"Rin, why did you follow me?"
"Rin thought you were leaving and did not want to be left behind."
"Sesshomaru turned to the little girl. "Go back and play with the boys. I will return in a little while."
Rin nodded and made her way back to the boys.
Sesshomaru watched her go. He was even more unsure now whether he wanted to leave her. You are just keeping her because you feel guilty about Inuyasha. Sesshomaru growled at that thought. I do not regret anything that I did. There was nothing else to do. That was what was best for him at the time.
Ah, but you heard him three nights ago. Part of the reason he hates you is because you abandoned him!
"I did not abandon my brother," he whispered to the air. I left him in a safe place. It was the best place for him to be.
The best place for him was by your side.
~+~+~Flashback~+~+~
The last year and a half had been tough for Sesshomaru. He had to prove that he was everything his father was and more. Which was hard considering the sword that Toutousai had given him did not cut anything. It was useless, but he kept it by his side because it was what his father had apparently wanted.
Sesshomaru had finally got the Western Lands under his control. But it had come at a price. He wasn't able to spend as much time with Inuyasha. Not that it would have mattered much, because Inuyasha had begun to start his own studies.
But something was worrying the young Demon Lord. His stepmother had begun to take ill. She had tried to hide it, but her smell had changed. He knew that she was upset with the death of her husband, but she should have moved on. And the health issues were from more than the depression.
She had gotten worse. She still spent time with Inuyasha, however it seemed to be less now, and only at certain times like meals. In fact she was eating less at meals.
This continued on for several more months. The healers told him that she was fading quickly, but they were still not sure what was wrong with the woman. She was not doing well even with all the potions they were giving her.
It was an early spring morning, when she passed. The news had come to him as he was getting up. He was going to have to tell Inuyasha.
Sesshomaru was waiting in the dining room when Inuyasha stumbled in. The boy looked around the room.
"Sessho no niichan, where's mama?"
Sesshomaru lowered his head. "She is not coming today, Inuyasha."
"Has she gotten sicker?" the young boy asked.
Sesshomaru sighed. He approached the boy and knelt in front of him. "She won't be coming any more. She has died."
Inuyasha stood there in disbelief. Then he threw himself on the young man sobbing. Sesshomaru slowly put his arms around the boy.
Over the next few months after that, Sesshomaru began to realize that he could not rule the lands as well as raise his brother. He would have to find someone else to care for the child.
Knowing that the Lady of the Southern Lands was his stepmother's sister, a message was sent seeing if they could care for the boy. Sesshomaru knew that Inuyasha would still be trained like he would be at home and that he would be safe. Plus Nekoyasha was there and it would be someone for the boy to interact with.
A message was sent back saying they could take care of the boy. So Sesshomaru and Inuyasha went to the Southern Lands.
When they got there Sesshomaru knelt in front of the boy. "Inuayasha, you will be staying here for awhile. I don't know when I will come back to get you, but I will be back for you."
The child nodded. Sesshomaru returned home.
~+~+~End Flashback ~+~+~
And then years later, I hear that Inuyasha ran away. Right before I was going to bring him home.
That's why you won't leave Rin behind. Sesshomaru did not like his inner voice. He slashed a sapling with his new hand. He knew his inner voice was right.
*****
A/N: Computers are very odd things. Mine is still not working, so I am doing a combination of working on my roommate's computer and in the computer lab.
Also I think that this story will be ending soon. But don't worry, I have a sequel in mind. I know I am going to need some feedback on that one.
Florida is great. I love what I am doing at Disney World. Things are getting better between Bjorn and me. All is well in the life of Catleana.
Reviewer Responses:
Sweetdaeth – don't worry. You will find out about them soon enough. (In fact I wrote that chapter a few days ago ::evil grin:: )
Ryguy5387 – thanks. I think there is more fluff to come… can't remember…
Inuyagura – yes that would be an interesting conversation… one I'm not sure I could do justice to. So the period question will not be answered. Sorry.
Henrika – I do keep writing… it's the posting that is the hard part… ::mumbles:: stupid slow computers
RavenShadow – Thanks. I hope this chapter was up to my usual writing ability?
NightRaine – I am so honored that you think my story is almost as good as the manga. Wow. And this is the first fanfic I've ever written. Thank you.
Eromeus – Yea you made it all the way through!!!! Good to hear from you. I tried to call you the other day and got your number confused with my other pet. Will call you soon though. Remember that I love you, sweetie. ::kisses::
Depth-orca – Wow, my story is being recommended to people? Can I ask who recommended it to you? I am amazed and also so glad that you like this little story of mine.
Well, folks, that's about it for now.
